Matti Hagman
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Matti Risto Tapio Hagman (born September 21, 1955 in Helsinki) is a former Finnish ice hockey professional. Hagman was the first Finnish-born player to play an NHL game and the first to play in a Stanley Cup final.
[edit] Career
Hagman played 237 NHL games over seven seasons. He debuted for the Boston Bruins on October 7, 1976 as they hosted the Minnesota North Stars. He was more prominent a player on the Edmonton Oilers as they made the transition from WHA to NHL play. He played left wing on the line with all stars Mark Messier and Glenn Anderson during the 1980-81 campaign. An injury in training camp the next year limited his Hagman to just a few games and spelt the end to his NHL career.
Hagman joined the WHA Quebec Nordiques in 1977 after they purchased him from Boston. Despite scoring 3 assists in his first Nordiqes game, Hagman returned to Finland in 1978 unhappy with playing abroad. He joined Helsinki IFK and went on to lead the Finnish league in points in 1979-80, 1982-83, 1983-84 and 1984-85. Hagman played 3 Canada Cups, as Finland finished sixth in each tournament (1976, 1981, and 1987). He also played on the fourth-place Finnish team in the 1976 Winter Olympics.
Hagman was named Martigny (Switzerland) head coach in 2004. He is the father of NHLer Niklas Hagman. Matti is also the brother-in-law of former indoor soccer star Kai Haaskivi.
Matti Hagman's sister Riitta Salin won the European Championship (athletics) in 400 m in Rome in 1974.
[edit] External links
hockeydraftcentral profile of 1975 NHL Draft pick Hagman, No. 104 overall
